Setting the Price & Negotiating

Setting the right price for your home is the most important decision you will make. Learn how to study market trends and set the optimal price for your home.

Setting the Right Price for Your Home

A key part of your marketing plan is setting the list price. CENTURY 21® Sales Professionals have ready access to information like prices of recently sold, comparable homes in the area; evaluate the competition, and study marketplace trends, that can provide the big picture to help you determine the right asking price.

It is also helpful to discuss with your agent other terms and conditions that can be included in the sale of the home to make it more attractive to potential buyers. For example, an owner can offer to pay points or complete a major repair – such as a new roof – to make the deal more appealing to a qualified buyer. A home warranty such as the Century 21 Home Protection Plan is another useful marketing tool, providing protection if an appliance or other covered item fails after closing. Home warranties are a relatively inexpensive way for a seller to add value to a property.

Other factors to consider:

  • The local market – your CENTURY 21® Agent can explain current market factors in your community, including what’s selling, what isn’t selling, and why. This information is critical to setting an optimal price and terms.
  • Location – the more desirable the area, the higher price
  • Amenities – the more popular, the higher price.
  • Maintenance – property that “shows” better will always sell for more
  • Functioning – buyers expect everything to work, it’s an important trust factor
  • Markets – differ by location and time. When interest rates are low and the local job base is growing, it’s great to be a seller

TIP: A formal written appraisal can be useful if your property is unique, or there hasn’t been much activity in your area recently. It’s also helpful when co-owners disagree about price, or there is any other circumstance that makes it difficult to put a market value on your home.

Your CENTURY 21® Real Estate Agent can give you all sorts of tips to help boost your home’s curb appeal and impress potential buyers once they’re inside.